Northeastern graduate student Joshua Qualls, who is studying Media Innovation in the School of Journalism, is currently spending his summer on co-op working on photography and video for the Massachusetts Governor, Charlie Baker, and Lieutenant Governor, Karyn Polito. Key components of his role include covering events the Governor and Lt. Governor attend, as well as making sure to get ample photos of not just the Governor and Lt. Governor, but also of the people and organizations affiliated with events. With a background in journalism, it would seem only natural that Joshua is especially fond of the ever-changing pace of his co-op, where no two days are ever the same.

One of his favorite parts of the co-op is traveling all around new places in Massachusetts and seeing parts of the state that he has never been to, and he looks forward to photographing them. He also enjoys getting to spend so much time with Governor Baker.

Photo by Joshua Qualls

“He is one of the most popular governors in the United States; a Republican governor in a liberal state,” said Joshua. “I look forward to better understanding the underlying qualities that make Gov. Baker so popular. As a leader, he seems to truly feel a sense of duty to serve the people of the commonwealth and to show them that their leaders are doing the jobs they are tasked to do.”

Though Joshua has always been a creative person—at age 12, he was writing music, and has received critical acclaim for his work as a musician—photography is the medium to which he has dedicated his time more recently. He enjoys finding ways to tell stories of truth with his camera, and especially loves the opportunity to capture candid moments. To advance his photography skills even further, Joshua hopes to be able to work with drones during his co-op in the Governor’s Office.

“You’re going to be learning how to be whatever you are forever,” said Joshua, who values the chance to be continuously learning and building his skill set, adding “Like any photographer should be, I have to develop skills like coding and learn new tools like drones and virtual reality to stay on top of my game.”

Already, he feels like he has developed many skills in his time at Northeastern that have led him to go above and beyond on his co-op, many of which he learned while reporting in Cuba as part of a recent School of Journalism trip. He has learned how to serve as a staff photographer (versus a freelancer), as well as how to edit photos remotely and easily meet deadlines. We look forward to seeing how Joshua’s skill set continues to develop during the rest of his time at Northeastern and while on co-op in the Office of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.